WITH TRAFFIC FATALITIES ON THE RISE THIS YEAR…THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ARE HOPING TO KEEP NUMBERS FROM CLIMBING ANY HIGHER OVER THE NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY.

AS OF TUESDAY…ONE THOUSAND 55 PEOPLE HAVE DIED ON ILLINOIS ROADS…SURPASSING LAST YEAR’S TOTAL OF 998 FATALITIES. I-DOT’S SCOTT KRISTIANSEN SAYS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF FACTORS THAT MAY BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREASE.

ADDITIONALLY…KRISTIANSEN SAYS LESS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REGULARLY BUCKLING UP THIS YEAR COMPARED TO LAST.

STATE AND LOCAL POLICE ARE INCREASING PATROLS AND HOLDING ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKS AND D-U-I- DETAILS THROUGH THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.